Paris, a city for film lovers? Absolutely! The City of Light is the perfect film set. La Haine, Amélie, A Clockwork Orange, Breathless… It’s the most filmed city in the world. Paris has not only inspired the greatest masterpieces of cinema, but it’s also brimming with cinematic spots for movie lovers. So, follow the film tourism guide and keep your eyes and ears open: Paris Secret is putting on a show and taking you on a tour of the best experiences to have in Paris.
Among the must-sees for any film lover in Paris, it’s hard not to start with Le Grand Rex. Recently named by Time Out as the most beautiful movie theater in the world, it shines in the French capital with its splendid Art Deco architecture. After an impressive renovation, it stands out not only for its beauty but also for its significant contribution to cinema thanks to a varied program and themed events.
The largest in Europe! The Grand Rex cinema, with its Art Deco façade, is a must-see. This famous Parisian cinema offers an immersive experience that would make the Opéra Garnier green with envy: an interactive tour. Go behind the scenes, discover the hidden treasures of this iconic venue, admire archival images of the movie icons who frequented the Grand Rex, and participate in interactive activities like handling a film reel or using special effects to bring your own movie to life… Don’t miss this exceptional cinematic experience!
Here are some great movie deals! Because seeing a film on the big screen remains one of the simplest (and most effective) ways to escape, we never say no to saving a few euros. Settling into a red armchair, sharing a movie with friends or a loved one, digging into a bowl of popcorn during the trailers, and leaving still immersed in the story… that’s a little ritual we never get tired of. Good news: several movie theaters in Paris regularly offer discounted tickets, particularly at CGR Cinémas, perfect for enjoying the latest releases without breaking the bank. In short, an excellent excuse to head out for a movie near home and rediscover the magic of the big screen.
Visit the Cinémathèque Française
The Cinémathèque Française is a true temple of cinema. Located in Bercy Park, it houses the world’s largest film collection. It hosts cutting-edge thematic exhibitions and organizes screenings of vintage films and rare documentaries. Additionally, it features a library that is a goldmine for all film buffs looking to deepen their knowledge of cinema.
Become the hero of your own movie
It’s the first immersive film studio. Here, in a 200-square-meter studio in the heart of Paris, you can make your dream come true by stepping into the shoes of a movie star. Short Films, Popcorn, Green Screen Challenge—choose your world and shoot your movie! For the Short Film Challenge, starting at €59 per person, you’re the hero of the film. Serial killer, bank robber, cop, group of friends, office colleague, zombie? Choose a script online and book a time slot. With the help of professional clapperboard operators, roles are assigned, you head to the dressing rooms, shoot a film in 2 hours on movie sets, editing is done live, your film is projected on the big screen, and you leave with your masterpiece under your arm. Enough to feel like Kubrick for a day!
Discover Paris through a cinematic lens
How about a cinematic stroll through the capital of cinema? France’s leading film tourism provider guides you through unique cinematic tours. From experimental pioneers to digital reconstructions: every era and every genre offers a gateway to a cultural discovery of Paris and its heritage. Currently, Ciné-Balade offers the following tours: “The Paris of Film Noir,” departing from Parc Monceau for fans of Melville, Audiard, Lino Ventura, or Jeanne Moreau; “The Flea Market,” for die-hard bargain hunters and collectors of fine objects; or “Let’s Be Ciné-Romantic!,” celebrating the greatest musicals and romantic films ever shot in Paris, followed by drinks and a screening of *Joli Joli* with English subtitles at the Club de L’Etoile Cinéma on the Champs-Élysées, in collaboration with Lost in Frenchlation, the only French film club with English subtitles.
Go see the Marilyn Monroe exhibition
The exhibition dedicated to Marilyn Monroe at the Cinémathèque Française, titled “Celebrating the Star, Showcasing the Actress,” offers an ambitious reinterpretation of this cinema icon, moving beyond her image as a sex symbol to highlight her true acting talent. Through a rich selection of costumes, iconic photographs, film clips, and rare archival footage spanning her entire career, the exhibition explores both the creation of the Hollywood myth and the complexity of the actress behind her “bimbo” persona. The exhibition particularly emphasizes the contrast between the public figure shaped by the 1950s star system and the exceptional actress, thereby revealing an artist far more nuanced than the clichés suggest.